The Farr Side: Grammy preview: Album of the Year

Jay-Z goes into the night with the most nominations with eight, followed by Kendrick Lamar and Bruno Mars.

Winning a Grammy is a big deal. It means you are the best of the best. The honor is given to you by your peers, so to speak.

Even being nominated is an accomplishment. It’s extremely difficult to break into the music business, so the thought of even being considered for such an honor is a major achievement.

You can imagine how it must feel to hear your name read among others up for the major awards. I suppose the same can be said for not hearing your name.

This year’s list of nominees has me puzzled, especially in the major categories Record and Song of the Year, Best New Artist and Album Of The Year. I’m shocked to not see a few names among the honorees. I’ve tackled a few of the major categories and some of the year’s most-surprising nominations.

Album of the Year is my favorite category. I think it’s cool to see just who takes home the famed phonograph. It’s the biggest award an artist can earn.

When I learned of nominees for Album of the Year, I was disappointed not to see Ed Sheeran’s “Divide.” That is by far the best album of 2017. Sheeran dominated the charts with hit single after hit single. It was the second-biggest-selling album of the year, too, just behind Taylor Swift’s monster album, “Reputation.“

Here’s a look at this year’s nominees:— Childish Gambino does not sound like a name we’ll be talking about years from now, unless somehow he pulls off an upset win Sunday night. I don’t see it happening.— “4:44” has a clear shot. Jay-Z is a powerful rapper with a strong sense of artistry. He commands much respect among his peers, too. Is it enough to win? I don’t believe so.— Lamar’s “Damn” will see its hopes hurt by Jay-Z’s voters. I don’t think he will win.— Lorde’s “Melodrama” could be the night’s spoiler. Some Grammy voters might choose to recognize her individuality in popular music.

My money is on Bruno Mars to capture the win. His two previous albums did not win this category, and now is his time to shine. He’s extremely charismatic, talented and fresh. Of all these albums, his is best in my book.— David T. Farr can be reached at farrboy@hotmail.com. You also can find The Farr Side on Facebook.

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